Arm Circles

Classical Repertoire Beginner Supine Upper Body & ArmsCore Integration

Scapulothoracic stability and shoulder range of motion in supine positioning with straps.

Schematic — Arm Circles Reformer · 1 medium or 1 light spring · Footbar High · Headrest Up

Teaching Precautions

Common precautions, not exhaustive. Screen every client and refer when in doubt.

Shoulder Impingement: Keep the arms in a pain-free arc; skip if there is active shoulder pain.
Pregnancy: Supine work after the first trimester can compress the vena cava; elevate the head and shoulders or use a side-lying alternative.

Spring Tension 1 medium or 1 light spring

Headrest Up

Transverse Abdominis (Secondary)Latissimus Dorsi (Secondary)Deltoids (Primary)Serratus Anterior (Secondary)

Lie supine on the carriage holding the straps with arms extended overhead.

Circle the arms out to the sides and back down, keeping the ribs connected and the shoulders away from the ears.

Alignment

"Keep the ribs down and the shoulders away from the ears."

Control

"Move the arms in smooth, even circles — no jerking."

Breath

"Keep a steady breath rhythm with the circle tempo."

Increase the circle size and slow the tempo for more range.

Reduce the circle size to keep the ribs connected.

For shoulder impingement, circle the arms below shoulder height with the elbows softly bent and keep the range short.

Same category, or body position when the category is unique.